Callina Liang Turns up the Heat for ‘Street Fighter’ Press as Chun-Li’s Big-Screen Debut Nears

Few video game characters carry as much legacy as Chun-Li, and stepping into her shoes is no small task. That challenge belongs to Callina Liang, who plays the iconic fighter in Paramount’s new live-action ‘Street Fighter’. With the film’s release just 2 weeks away, Callina Liang’s ‘Street Fighter’ press tour is shifting into high gear.

The Canadian actress, born on May 14, 2000, has been on a steady rise. Her credits include Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’, which earned her breakout-star attention, and the 2024 ‘Bad Genius’ remake, before Legendary cast her as Chun-Li in June 2025.

On October 2, Cinethology shared new images of Liang dressed up for the ‘Street Fighter’ press. She poses in a courtyard surrounded by tall buildings with wrought-iron balconies, wearing a glossy red satin halter top paired with a matching red scarf tied at the neck.

Her beauty look is just as polished. Liang wears her hair slicked back, with a sculpted brow, fluttery lashes, and a glowing, dewy complexion that complements the rich red tones of the outfit. A delicate chain detail adds a subtle finishing touch.

The choice of red feels like a playful nod to the vibrant world of the film. It’s a strong, confident look for an actress about to lead one of the year’s most anticipated video game adaptations.

Callina Liang stuns for ‘STREET FIGHTER’ press. 📷 https://t.co/zoin00j4O7
— Cinethology (@thecinethology) October 2, 2026

Liang has gone to great lengths to embody the legendary fighter. She trained in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and wushu for 2 hours a day, along with leg strength training, to capture Chun-Li’s signature power.

She reportedly added 6.5 centimeters to her thighs through months of martial arts practice and a demanding diet. Her preparation extended beyond the gym. During her bulking phase, she reportedly ate 12 eggs a day and even studied game footage on PS5 to perfect the character’s moves.

The new ‘Street Fighter’ is set in 1993, when ‘Street Fighter II’ was dominating arcades. The story follows Ryu, played by Andrew Koji, and Ken Masters, played by Noah Centineo, who are recruited by Chun-Li to compete in the World Warrior Tournament, where a conspiracy lies at the heart of the event.

The cast is packed with recognizable names, including Jason Momoa, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Eric André, Andrew Schulz, and Vidyut Jammwal. Kitao Sakurai directed the film from a script he co-wrote with T.J. Fixman, based on a story by Dalan Musson and Gary Dauberman.

The project took a winding path to release. It was originally set for March 20, 2026, with Sony, before moving to Paramount after Legendary’s arrangement with Sony ended. Filming began in Australia in August 2025 under the working title ‘Punch’ and wrapped in November.

FIGHT! Watch the Official Trailer for Street Fighter, hitting theaters everywhere October 16. pic.twitter.com/dzGuLba4Z0
— Street Fighter Movie (@Street_Fighter) April 16, 2026

The marketing has leaned into camp and nostalgia. The CinemaCon trailer was set to 4 Non Blondes’ ‘What’s Up?’ and showcased characters like Akuma, Dhalsim, Cammy, and Vega. This marks the third live-action ‘Street Fighter’ movie, following the 1994 film from Universal and 2009’s ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’.

Fans are hoping this version finally delivers the adaptation the beloved franchise deserves. ‘Street Fighter’ hits theaters on October 16. With Liang’s dedication to the role and her standout press appearances, she’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about faces of the film.